How do you respond to "Are you Pregnant?"?

I was asked today if I was pregnant. I am not pregnant. It was mortifying, but it was not the first time I've been asked this question. I am a size 4/6, 125lbs, 5'4. Not fat, but thin limbed, high-waisted, large-chested, and my lower-stomach is always bloated. I've been mostly Paleo since 2010 and have tried every variation of eating- eliminated beer, grains, dairy and no difference. Then eliminated nightshades, no difference. So I added the nightshades and occassional dairy back in. Probiotics didn't help, either :( I exercise most mornings and stand at my desk. I'm stumped. Any other women have preggo tummy look and able to fix it?

Yep, this is what I was going to ask. I will say this though: my hubs can't tolerate the FODMAPs and his primary symptom is reflux, not gas or constipation. Onions, cabbage and cauliflower are primary FODMAP offenders and are HUGE in the paleo diet.

Oh, I see, so it's like a little pouch of fat. Most women have this to some degree, esp after their 20s. I'd suggest a) lowering your body fat/increasing muscle mass, which will reduce overall fat mass and therefore shrink this pouch, or b) slap on some Spanks and forget about it. :)

I think it's a problem with society in general. Too much time sitting. Tough to say from here and I'm not qualified to diagnosis, BUT if that were the problem. I think the standard thing to do is lengthen the front and strengthen the back. Hip flexor stretch and deadlifts at a most basic level.

Just burst out crying while telling them you lost the baby but your hormones aren't back to where they are yet. But seriously, look into hormonal reasons why your shape has changed. That is the only thing that has worked for me, other than overall weight loss, and of course, reducing offending carbs.

I think it's a problem with society in general. Too much time sitting. Tough to say from here and I'm not qualified to diagnosis, BUT if that were the problem. I think the standard thing to do is lengthen the front and strengthen the back. Hip flexor stretch and deadlifts at a most basic level.

I used to always have that type of bloating. Even now, if I eat something that doesn't agree with me, it can return almost instantly, though that is rare. For the most part, now you'd never guess I struggled with that issue. I can seriously and completely relate.

Personally, I have to be 100% dairy-free, legume free, and grain-free. I have found that working on keeping small intestinal bacterial overgrowth under control helps a lot. For me eating 4 or 5 garlic stuffed olives can work wonders in that respect, the garlic having antibiotic capabilities.

I'm also a fan of the Whole30 and other structured plans. They just give you a nice framework.

I would say that it has to be something that you are eating OR excess estrogen which contributes to the 'pooch' so many women have. Have you made sure to eliminate all chemicals from you cleaning/beauty routine? Parabens synthetic fragrances and the like all can contribute to excess estrogen levels.

I know for me though that it definitely has to do with food. I am 5'4 as well, and 110lbs so pretty thin and hwp. However my lower belly will became so distended that I literally look and feel like I'm 6 months along (make sure to have lots of baggy clothes on hand for these occasions). I know it is dietary because most days it is not this way, but then I will eat something on the go or just not be paying attention and suddenly I look in the mirror and wonder myself when I'm due!

So don't feel bad, I think a lot of women are in the same boat. Since it sounds like you really gave a good-go at eliminating possible problem foods it may be an estrogen issue for you... I would look into getting your hormone levels tested as others have suggested.

sounds like you've done a lot of N=1 research so I'm guessing its just your body type. As someone else said, punch in the face. I had the same issues till I got off the pill (huge difference here) and dairy. The hormones make you crazy! (also an n=1 on that conclusion but it works for me).

Haha... I made this mistake once when I ran into a girl from high school. She had always been fit, this time she was pretty large. Possibly THE worst 'foot-in-mouth' experience of my life. I learned real quick to just neverevereverever ask that question!

Oh, I see, so it's like a little pouch of fat. Most women have this to some degree, esp after their 20s. I'd suggest a) lowering your body fat/increasing muscle mass, which will reduce overall fat mass and therefore shrink this pouch, or b) slap on some Spanks and forget about it. :)

Yep, this is what I was going to ask. I will say this though: my hubs can't tolerate the FODMAPs and his primary symptom is reflux, not gas or constipation. Onions, cabbage and cauliflower are primary FODMAP offenders and are HUGE in the paleo diet.